LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The last time the UNLV men's soccer team took the field was in November of 2019. Back then, the Rebels found themselves finishing the season off strong with a 2-1 win against Grand Canyon, but without a spot in the WAC postseason tournament. UNLV is determined to not let that happen again, even with the loss of leading goal scorer Timo Mehlich to the MLS Draft.

The Rebels had a good start to the spring season, but then the pandemic hit the country. While the future of college sports was unclear, players were anxiously awaiting their next match in a season of redemption. UNLV Head Coach Rich Ryerson is thankful that his team will at least get to play this season but is also wary of their health and speed in which the guys come back.

"The guys being healthy is important," Ryerson says when talking about getting back on the field. He says the team needs to pace themselves with the fitness aspect of it all since it won't be the same as other seasons. The team was only able to train for six weeks during the Spring 2020 semester and six weeks during the fall. The Rebels have now been back for a couple of weeks in preparation for the upcoming season, even with the adjustments. "I feel very blessed to have a season in the first place."

One highlight for the year both Ryerson and the players are looking forward to is that the Rebels will be hosting this year's WAC Tournament, at Johann Memorial Field on April 13-17. "I'm happy that this season we get to host. Peter Johann Memorial Field is one of the premier fields on the West Coast. It's a great environment with the strip in the background, and everyone is excited to come to Vegas." 

Looking at the position groups, UNLV does bring back its starting goalkeeper in Lukas Betz, a junior from Germany, though he is expected to be pushed by Las Vegas native Miguel Duenas for playing time. On the backline, Ryerson brought in several international players, highlighted by freshman Louis Hiepen (Germany) and juniors Matthew Ridley (England) while Gabriel Claudio is also in the mix to start at defender after transferring from JC power Yavapai College, The line will be anchored by senior Billy Jones, who is a preseason All-WAC team selection despite appearing in just 11 games in 2019 while taking time off to help the New Zealand Olympic Qualifying Team clinch a spot in the Tokyo Olympics.

Bailey Letherman returns for another year in the midfield, while Jesus Partida comes back after missing the 2019 season with an ACL injury. Up front the Rebels will be led by one of the top goal scorers in the conference in Marco Gonzalez,who is looking for a return to form in his senior year. Ryerson has several options to put up top with Gonzalez, including two more internationals in Valentin Hafner (Germany) and Aedon Kyra (Australia). 

The Rebels are scheduled to begin their season on Feb. 13 against Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, while the home opener is slated for Saturday, Feb. 20 against the Air Force Falcons.